Eric C. Chen

Eric C. Chen, Ph.D., is a Professor of Counseling Psychology at Fordham University's Graduate School of Education, where he has served since 1995. He holds leadership roles including Director of the Clinical Mental Health Services program and previously chaired the PES Division. His work bridges academic research, clinical practice, and program development focused on underserved populations.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Arizona State University (1995)
• Internship, University of Texas at Austin Counseling and Mental Health Center (1994-95)
• M.S. in Counseling, University of Oregon (1991)
• B.A. in Chinese, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan (1987)

Dr. Chen's research centers on multicultural group therapy, affirmative counseling for marginalized communities (LGBTQ+, undocumented immigrants, Latinx families), and racial-cultural competence in clinical practice. His developmental-contextual approach examines identity formation under systemic oppression, with particular focus on telehealth adaptations for forced migrants and school-based mental health interventions. Recent work emphasizes demarginalizing stigmatized identities through group processes and integrating religious frameworks in psychotherapy.

His publication trends reveal consistent focus on group dynamics across 25+ years, evolving from foundational supervision models to contemporary applications addressing intersectional identities. Recent articles increasingly address structural inequities through school-based programs and telehealth innovations, with growing emphasis on Latinx and immigrant mental health.

Scientific Awards:

• APA Fellow status (2016)
• Presidential Award from APA Division 49 (2020)

Dr. Chen directs two major funded initiatives: the $1.72M Clinical Mental Health Services program providing free telehealth to Bronx youth, and the $3.5M U.S. Department of Education grant 'Educate School-Based Mental Health Professionals for Justice.' He has secured over $5.2M in external funding, currently training mental health counseling students through internship programs while expanding clinical graduate assistantships. His editorial service includes associate editorship for Group Dynamics and board membership for the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council.

He leads the Clinical Mental Health Services team delivering telehealth interventions, with upcoming expansion to include specialized training for mental health counseling students addressing justice-oriented care for underserved communities in the Bronx.